Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson played most of the first half against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday night at University of Phoenix Stadium in the team’s first NFL preseason contest. He threw for 93 yards and one touchdown on 7-for-13 completions.
Wilson, 34, struggled for most of last season, his first year in Denver, under head coach Nathaniel Hackett. The team finished with a 5-12 record despite having one of the best defenses in the league.
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His chemistry with new head coach Sean Payton in their first year together is one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the 2023 NFL season.
Payton, 59, came out of retirement to take the challenge of coaching Wilson, who has not earned the love of fans, on or off the field, since leaving the Seattle Seahawks.
Wilson sat before the first half ended with Denver leading 10-0 and looked to have a spring to his step, though he still lacks reliable weapons.
Russell Wilson has no offensive weapons
Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy secured the touchdown pass from Wilson, but had a pair of concerning drops.
One of the drops, a wide open catch ruined by failing to secure the ball before turning his body, had Payton scratching his head.
Jeudy, 24, had 40 yards on two catches, while Courtland Sutton caught three passes for 35 yards.
Broncos lost 17-18 thanks to a touchdown and two-point conversion by the Cardinals with two seconds left in the game.
